Meet Shanon Gower, owner of Tahlequah Drug Company — an independent pharmacy right here in Oklahoma.

Shanon blends deep clinical knowledge with genuine compassion, and she works incredibly hard to improve the quality of life for every patient she serves. She has a special heart for patients who need extra support — including those living with Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS).

Shanon goes the extra mile for her AGS patients, helping them find safe, personalized medication options that fit their individual needs. She is also a proud and trusted partner of Pill Clarity.

Can you share a bit about what you do?

I’m an independent retail pharmacy owner — so honestly, I do a little bit of everything (LOL). I compound medications, counsel women on women’s health topics like menopause and hormone imbalances, immunize patients, and provide consultations for people with AGS.

Tell us about a formative moment in your life that made you who you are today.

When I was thirteen, my grandfather passed away. Before he did, he told me something I’ve never forgotten:“Get all the knowledge about everything you can. Knowledge is the one thing no one can ever take from you.”

Because of that, I consider myself a lifelong student. I also love to teach — especially teaching people the why behind things. I believe when people understand why something matters, they’re more likely to follow through — and that leads to healthier outcomes.

What motivates you on a daily basis?

I truly have a servant’s heart and I love people. I want to help people heal and prevent illness — that’s what a good clinical pharmacist should do.

But more than that, I try to treat every patient the way I would want someone to treat my own grandmother… or my own child or grandchildren. I want to help people navigate and overcome the medical barriers life throws at them. I’m not a diagnosing physician or a dietitian — which is why it’s so important that we all work together in healthcare.

Can you share what pulled you into the alpha-gal and animal-derived ingredients space?

I have a niece and several patients who couldn’t eat at family gatherings without special food being prepared. As I became more aware of the challenges they faced, I also started noticing that medications were sometimes making them feel worse.

Since medications are my specialty, that’s where I realized I could help. I started digging deeper, working with each patient individually to understand their reactions and find safer options.

How did you first learn about AGS?

I’ve been in pharmacy for over 25 years and have known about tick-borne illnesses since childhood — I actually had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever when I was young.

AGS entered medical literature around 2009, and the first known Oklahoma case was diagnosed around 2020. I was working at IHS urgent care when a patient began experiencing unexplained allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Given how wooded and outdoors-oriented Northeastern Oklahoma is — hiking, farming, river activities — this made perfect sense once awareness increased.

What surprised you most about AGS?

No two cases are the same. And so many people have been suffering for years without answers.

Most people become emotional when they finally realize what’s been happening to them — because for so long they were dismissed or told nothing was wrong. Now they finally have answers, and someone to walk alongside them.

What’s the biggest challenge in helping AGS patients?

Every patient’s sensitivity level is different. Some can’t even walk into our pharmacy if someone is cooking meat nearby. Others just can’t eat meat without feeling sick.

So the challenge is figuring out each patient’s specific triggers — especially when they themselves may not yet know what they’re reacting to.

What was hardest about learning how to find animal-free medications?

Time. Lots of time.

I ask patients to bring in everything they take — prescriptions and over-the-counter — and I personally contact manufacturers to confirm ingredient sources. I also check for reactions to fillers, binders, and coatings.

It’s extremely time-consuming, but necessary.

What changes did your pharmacy make for AGS patients?

We now have a mammal-free OTC section and a formal AGS process. Medications approved for AGS patients get a yellow “alpha-gal friendly” sticker. There’s also a flag in the patient profile so technicians and pharmacists are alerted at every step.

Advice for other pharmacists?

Listen. Build relationships. Join AGS groups. Read journals. Listen to podcasts (like PCCA). Partner with allergy clinics. Take notes. Customize care.

Most importantly — listen to what your patients are actually experiencing.

Anything else you'd like to share?

We always try to find safe commercial medications first, especially ones insurance will cover. But if none exist, we can compound medications — customizing them into vegan capsules, creams, or other suitable forms.

Thoughts on working with Pill Clarity?

I’m incredibly thankful for Pill Clarity. They’ve made research faster, clearer, and more manageable. Their team is prompt, knowledgeable, and organized.

If you were an animal-free drug, what would you be?

Ashwagandha. I’d help people relax by lowering cortisol — which can reduce blood pressure, tension, weight gain, and more. Who wouldn’t want that?